As January dawns, India embraces the peak of winter with festivities, especially the vibrant Makar Sankranti festival. This harvest festival, celebrated across the country, marks the end of winter and welcomes the longer days ahead. It’s an ideal time to experience India’s diverse landscapes and immerse yourself in local traditions. Here’s a guide to some of the best destinations to visit in January, where you can enjoy both the winter season and the festive spirit of Makar Sankranti.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Why Visit: Ahmedabad is renowned for its grand International Kite Festival, celebrated during Makar Sankranti. The festival lights up the skies with kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors, drawing kite enthusiasts from around the world.
Must-Do: Witness the incredible kite displays on the Sabarmati Riverfront, enjoy local food stalls offering seasonal treats, and explore the rich heritage of Ahmedabad’s old city.
Nearby Attractions: Take a day trip to the Rann of Kutch, famous for the White Desert and Rann Utsav, which showcases the region’s culture, crafts, and performances.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Why Visit: Jaipur celebrates Makar Sankranti with grand kite-flying events, especially from the rooftops of the Pink City. The city’s historical forts and palaces are even more magical in the mild January weather.
Must-Do: Enjoy a kite-flying session on a rooftop, visit Amer Fort and City Palace, and sample delicious sesame-based sweets like til ke laddoo, a traditional treat for Makar Sankranti.
Unique Tip: Head to Nahargarh Fort for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s kite-filled skyline on Makar Sankranti day.
3. Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Why Visit: Both Haridwar and Rishikesh are significant Hindu pilgrimage sites and are especially popular for bathing rituals during Makar Sankranti. These cities along the Ganges are known for their serene ambiance and scenic beauty in winter.
Must-Do: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, practice yoga by the Ganges in Rishikesh, and take a holy dip in the river on Makar Sankranti.
Unique Tip: Explore the suspension bridge at Laxman Jhula and try out river rafting for a blend of spirituality and adventure.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Why Visit: Varanasi is one of the most auspicious places to celebrate Makar Sankranti, where pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganges and offer prayers. The city’s spiritual aura reaches a peak during this festival.
Must-Do: Participate in the rituals on the ghats, witness the grand Ganga Aarti, and explore the ancient temples and vibrant bazaars of Varanasi.
Nearby Attractions: Take a short trip to Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon, for a historical and spiritual experience.
5. Tamil Nadu – Pongal Celebrations in Chennai and Madurai
Why Visit: Pongal, celebrated in Tamil Nadu, is the South Indian counterpart of Makar Sankranti. It’s a four-day festival marked by offerings, traditional kolam art, and bull-taming sports.
Must-Do: Witness the unique Pongal celebrations in Madurai, where Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, is held. In Chennai, you can participate in the colorful kolam drawing competitions and enjoy authentic South Indian food.
Unique Tip: Attend a Pongal celebration in a traditional village to see firsthand how this harvest festival is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm.
6. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Why Visit: Known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is especially charming in January with its cool weather and Makar Sankranti celebrations. The city’s forts and palaces add a majestic backdrop to the kite-flying festivities.
Must-Do: Visit Mehrangarh Fort for panoramic views, enjoy a rooftop kite-flying experience, and explore the bustling markets for traditional handicrafts.
Unique Tip: Take part in the Jodhpur International Desert Kite Festival, where kite fliers from different countries gather to showcase their skills.
7. Goa
Why Visit: January is peak season in Goa, with cooler temperatures and lively celebrations. While Makar Sankranti isn’t as prominent here, the Goan festivities and beach parties make it a unique experience.
Must-Do: Relax on the beaches, attend beachside parties, and visit the historic churches and markets in Old Goa.
Unique Tip: Visit the local markets for unique finds, from spices to handmade crafts, and sample Goa’s unique coconut and jaggery-based sweet dishes, popular during Sankranti.
8. Kolkata, West Bengal
Why Visit: Kolkata celebrates Makar Sankranti as Poush Sankranti, marking it with fairs, traditional Bengali sweets, and gatherings on the Ganga ghats.
Must-Do: Explore the Poush Mela, a vibrant festival held in Shantiniketan (near Kolkata) that showcases Bengali culture, folk music, and dance.
Unique Tip: Try local Sankranti delicacies like pitha and payesh, and visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple for a spiritual experience.
9. Amritsar, Punjab
Why Visit: Amritsar celebrates Lohri, a festival similar to Makar Sankranti, with bonfires, folk songs, and traditional dance, especially in rural Punjab.
Must-Do: Visit the Golden Temple for a serene experience, take part in Lohri celebrations, and enjoy Punjabi delicacies like makki di roti and sarson da saag.
Unique Tip: Attend a Lohri celebration in a traditional Punjabi village for an authentic experience of the bonfire festivities and folk dances.
10. Auli, Uttarakhand
Why Visit: Known for its skiing slopes, Auli is one of the best winter destinations in India. If you’re looking for a snowy January escape, Auli’s landscapes and winter sports make it ideal.
Must-Do: Try skiing and snowboarding on Auli’s pristine slopes, take the cable car ride for panoramic mountain views, and explore nearby trekking routes.
Unique Tip: Experience Makar Sankranti in the Garhwal region, where the local celebrations include offerings and rituals against the stunning Himalayan backdrop.
11. Bikaner, Rajasthan – Camel Festival
Why Visit: Bikaner hosts its famous Camel Festival in January, featuring camel races, camel decoration contests, and folk performances that bring the desert to life.
Must-Do: Attend the Camel Festival events, explore Junagarh Fort, and taste traditional Bikaneri snacks like bhujiya.
Unique Tip: This is a rare opportunity to witness Rajasthan’s cultural traditions with a focus on its “ship of the desert” – the camel.
12. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Why Visit: Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Sankranti in Maharashtra, where locals share tilgul sweets and fly kites. Mumbai in January is also perfect for sightseeing with its moderate temperatures.
Must-Do: Visit iconic spots like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive, enjoy the kite-flying festivities at Juhu Beach, and try traditional sweets like tilgul laddoos.
Unique Tip: Explore the cultural side of Mumbai by visiting local temples and bazaars decorated for Makar Sankranti.
13. Patna, Bihar
Why Visit: In Bihar, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Khichdi, with locals enjoying khichdi dishes made with seasonal grains and pulses.
Must-Do: Join in the festive meal preparations, visit the ancient Mahavir Mandir, and experience the Ganga Aarti at Gandhi Ghat.
Unique Tip: Take a short trip to Bodh Gaya, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, which is particularly serene in January’s cooler weather.
